Give God a Break!

I've been noticing analogies to my life, the nation, and people I am acquainted with reenacted by events in the natural world. Earlier this month, our nation watched as a bridge collapsed during rush hour traffic. Twelve days ago, six miners were trapped in a mine, and it will only be due to their perseverance and experience in finding potable water and air, will they survive, not to mention the determination of the rescue workers. Most of the United States has been inundated with torrential rains and flooding. Thousands will lose their livelihoods, homes, and the normalcy which defined their lives, leaving them frantic to recover from these 'acts of God'.

And some will deem, these are acts of God, whose wrath was brought down upon the innocents as proof we are far from His grace. Fire and Brimstone sermons will ignite fear and ignorance all over again. Okay, perhaps I just pissed a few people off with that quote, but before I get deluged with endless emails and hate mail, let me offer another premise.

What if the incidents were not of God, but MAN. What if Man, in his audacity and arrogance did not take care of the bridge in Minnesota as they should of--as they were legally bound to do--and the collapse was to point blank show how far our city, county, and state governments have gone astray in taking care of its residents? What if the mine collapse could of been prevented had the family of humans who owns the mine and it's sister sites been more diligent in their ethical responsibilities to their employees? What if the flooding in the States could of been prevented had the humans charged with levee protection and maintenance, contractors who decided to cut corners on the housing development regulating drainage, and city/county governments who decided not to do their fair share in order to qualify for Federal Flood insurance, leaving citizens up a creek literally--had done their jobs?

GIVE GOD A BREAK!!

That's right, and even though I am a Pagan, I said it. It's about time we as Humans began taking responsibilities for the lazy, incompetent machinations of the past which are contributing in large part to our national catastrophes in the here and now! I don't remember from my Catechism days reading anything where God has to take responsibility for our blunders. Especially since we have Free Will, always have had it, always will. We sit around blaming everyone else for our mistakes, miscalculations, greed, and everything else under the sun and think we can fool our personal Higher Powers. And I'm speaking to anyone of any spiritual or religious persuasion, not just Christians.

Somewhere, someway, we always get caught. Speaking from experience, doing that very thing enacted a high price, by separating me from those I hold dearest to my heart. My children. Those natural disasters--yes, even the bridge (it was nature which only fed upon really what was poor design)--are analogies that if one really thinks about it, it's as plain as the nose on your face.

So, what's the solution? Do we run for local government knowing if one is from the wrong side of the tracks, you're spitting into the wind? Do we hide out in our homes, waiting to ride the 'storm' out, believing we have a corner on the market of salvage-ability?

Nope. Get involved. Take the time to sit on the city council meeting. Listen closely to what is being promoted and what is being ignored. Start petitions to encourage your local government to get involved with National Flood Insurance and make sure they are doing their part. Keep an eye on any farm which major players like Archer Daniel Midlands is in the process of taking over, and go to the City Clerk's office. Are there major changes going into the land's drainage and levee systems which might impact wetlands in the area? What about the safety and environmental records of the major corporations in your area? Are they contributing to the pollution of ground water? Review all bridges and infrastructure in your area? Find out why it's actually taking so long for the bridge across the River to be repaired, or why isn't it being repaired? Find out where the money is going. It's your money. It's my money. Most of all, it's money which belongs to our Children.

As the Christos said, "Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's. Render unto God (or whatever name you know them), Gods." These catastrophes definitely fall under the heading of 'Caesar'--whomever they may be. Too many families will be in mourning because we HUMANS failed to take responsibility. Instead, we blamed God or whomever. It's time to stop. Part of free will is also to ensure the common good for all of the God/Goddess' children.

We can do something.

We can grow up.